Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 6:12

"Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses." — 1 Timothy 6:12 (ASV)

“Fight the good fight” (GK 76 & 74) is a phrase taken from the field of athletics, such as “contend in the gymnastic games.” In the NT both words are used to describe the struggles of the Christian life (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7). The background of the words suggests exerting every ounce of energy to win.

Timothy is then told to take hold of the eternal life to which he was called when he made the good profession of faith. This probably refers to Timothy’s confession of faith in Christ at his baptism, when “many witnesses” were no doubt present.